This bill creates a program run by the Secretary of the Interior (through the Commissioner of Reclamation) to select up to 5 pilot watershed projects in "Reclamation States." Eligible entities (States, Tribes, irrigation or water districts, regional authorities, nongovernmental groups, and others) may apply to be a watershed partner. The Secretary must solicit proposals within one year of enactment, set selection criteria, and enter partnership agreements that last up to 5 years (with possible renewal or a one-time 2-year extension).
Watershed partners must use "advance watershed analytics" (technical studies done before funding) to identify and prioritize cost-effective conservation activities. Partners prepare funding and implementation strategies, set outcome prices and performance standards, recruit and verify qualifying activities, monitor performance, and manage pay-for-performance contracts. Qualifying activities must produce measurable outcomes such as more surface or groundwater, better aquatic habitat, improved water quality (including lower temperature, salinity, nutrients, or sediment), or other quantifiable watershed benefits.
The Secretary will verify analytics where practicable, publish outcome price tables and performance standards, review verification documentation, provide technical and financial assistance, and coordinate with other Federal agencies. The federal share of grants is capped at 75 percent. Information collected for advance analytics is treated as confidential commercial information under FOIA (exemption 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4)). The Act does not change Federal or State water rights.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.